Vintage Beer Can Values and Information

Beer can values vary widely and are always changing. The best way to find out the value of an old beer can is to seek out a beer can expert. Well, you've come to the right place! Together we have been collecting beer cans for over 45 years. We attend beer can shows throughout the U.S. and have the expertise to evaluate any single beer can or entire beer can collection.

The most important factor determining the value of any beer can is CONDITION. Old beer can prices are directed related to the condition of each can. Pristine beer cans bring top dollar, while the same can in lesser condition decreases signifigantly in value. Antique beer cans are like any other collectible and beer can collectors always want the best possible example.

The Krueger beer cans on the right range in condition from Pristine to Very Poor. Beer can collectors use a grading system on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1+ being the very best. These Krueger cans (from top to bottom) are Grade 1, Grade 3 and Grade 5. The Grade 1 can would have 100% value, the Grade 3 has 30% value and the Grade 5 up to 5% value. In most cases only cans from Grade 1+ to Grade 3 are marketable.

WE ARE LOOKING TO BUY BEER CANS IN GRADE 1+ TO GRADE 3 CONDITION

Of course the second most important factor determining beer can values is scarcity. Early beer cans produced during the 1930's and 1940's tend to be rarer than those produced during the 1950's and later. Some cans were both produced and saved in large quantities, while other beer cans were only marketed for a short time. The fewer examples of a beer can available, the more valuable that beer can will be.

Beer cans with Opening Instructions are among the most sought after cans, while Cone Tops are a close second. Beer cans from smaller breweries tend to be scarcer than national brands such as: Budweiser, Miller, Pabst, Schlitz and others.